How Is Zubsolv Similar to Suboxone?

Contain two active ingredients, buprenorphine (the partial
opiate agonist) and naloxone (added to the formulations to prevent abuse by
injection).

Are taken sublingually (you dissolve the medication under
your tongue).

Last for similar durations (you generally take these
medications either once or twice daily).

How Is Zubsolv Different from Suboxone?

They taste different – Suboxone has an orange/citrus taste
and Zubsolv has a mint-like taste. In at least one study, subjects preferred
the taste and mouth feel of Zubsolv over Suboxone.1

Suboxone comes as a film, while Zubsolv is a very small
tablet.

Zubsolv has better bioavailability. Since your body can more
effectively absorb and make use of the buprenorphine in Zubsolv, the tablets contain
slightly less of the active ingredients. For example, an 8 mg Suboxone film
equates to a 5.7 mg Zubsolv tablet. Though the tablet contains less medication,
due to Zubsolv’s better bioavailability, your body gets the same useful amount.

Zubsolv Dosage Strengths

Zubsolv comes in 2 strengths:

A white triangular tablet with a strength of 1.4 mg/0.36 mg (buprenorphine/naloxone)
– this equates to a 2 mg Suboxone film or tablet.

A white circular tablet with a strength of 5.7 mg/1.4 mg –
this equates to an 8 mg Suboxone film or tablet.2

Is Zubsolv Right for You?

If medication assisted treatment with Suboxone makes sense
for your situation, then Zubsolv is an equally valid option. These medications
are similar enough to be considered interchangeable.

Choosing Zubsolv over Suboxone?

There are few significant differences between these
medications. You might want to consider Zubsolv if:

You cannot tolerate the taste or mouth-feel of Suboxone
tablets of films.

Costs

Costs for Zubsolv and other Suboxone formulations are
similar. Orexo, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Zubsolv is currently
offering a promotional co-pay card that can reduce costs by up to $75 per
prescription fill.

People taking Suboxone films can also access a copay
discount card, that can reduce costs by up to $50 per month.

Obviously these deals will change over time, but if taking
or considering taking either medication, it probably makes sense to review
manufacturer websites from time to time to see what costs saving programs are
available.

Users taking Suboxone to stave off the withdrawal pains of an opiate addiction aren't supposed to be able to abuse the medication. That was the idea anyway when the FDA approved the drug in 2002 for take-home use. Today's thriving street market for the drug has the FDA change its tune.Read Article